20 Under 40: Candace Campbell

Meet Candace Campbell, 33, director of U.S. sales at Nuts For Cheese, and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2024 recipients

AS HEAD OF U.S. sales at Nuts For Cheese, Candace Campbell drives strategy, manages teams and fosters partnerships to achieve growth in both natural and conventional retail channels. She also champions community initiatives as chair of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Southwestern Ontario, growing opportunities for students in manufacturing, engineering and the skilled trades, and as co-chair of the Junior Achievement London and District Business Hall of Fame, raising thousands of dollars annually for youth programs. In addition, she volunteers her time with several community groups and programs, continually striving to build a stronger and more inclusive community for all.

Click here to view this story in magazine format

What would you say is your single biggest business achievement, and why?

I am so proud of the growth we’ve achieved at Nuts For Cheese since launching in the U.S. ­market in 2020. Having helped build our U.S. sales from the ground up, it is incredibly rewarding to now be a category leader in the plant-based cheese space.

What about your biggest business obstacle, and how did you face it?

Switching industries and moving from the public to private sector in 2020 was a big learning curve for me. I was fortunate to have an amazing mentor at Nuts For Cheese who took the time to teach me all the nuances of consumer packaged goods and natural product sales. I am always up for a ­challenge and believe taking this job was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

What books have you recently read that really stuck with you?

One of the most captivating and memorable books I’ve ever read is Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. Oddly enough, when I was on a first date with my now fiancé, he also named this his favourite book.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Put in the hard work and you will be rewarded. Take time to enjoy the journey — and celebrate achievements!

If you weren’t working in your current field, what would you be doing?

I’ve always been fascinated by true crime and would love to be a detective in my next life.

What’s one unexpected thing you like to tell people about your job?

When not on the tradeshow floor, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Seattle’s space needle, tour one of my favourite wineries in Napa Valley, watch Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘O’ in Vegas, take an architectural boat tour in Chicago, visit the botanical gardens in Phoenix and eat some incredible vegan food along the way. Interview by Kieran Delamont